The festive season is upon us, and for folk musicians and folk music enthusiasts, it’s time to head to the pubs and high streets to gather for one of the most cherished English traditions; carol singing.
Whether you’re harmonising with friends around a crackling fire or leading a community sing-along, your voice is your instrument. As a conductor and choir coach, I always tell my choirs that just like any other musician, singers must prepare to ensure their performance is joyous and strain-free. Here’s how to get your voice in top form for the carolling season…
Warm your voice as well as your heart
Cold winter air can be harsh on vocal cords, making a proper warm-up even more essential. Begin with gentle humming to get your vocal folds vibrating without strain. Follow this with lip trills and sirens to extend your range gradually. Focus on breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing, to build stamina and control. These simple routines prepare your voice and help prevent fatigue.
Hydration is key
We all love to sing with a drink in hand – but alcohol dehydrates your body, so make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially about four hours before a sing or performance. If you’re carolling outdoors at night, why not keep a thermos of warm (not hot) herbal tea with honey handy—it soothes the throat and keeps the muscles around your vocal folds warm and supple.
Be careful what you say…
Loud environments like Christmas parties can wreak havoc on your voice, as you’re encouraged to tense up and shout in order to be heard. As fun as it might be to have a screamin’ good time, if you really want to maintain your vocal health, try to avoid long periods of shouting in a crowded room!
Don’t be left out in the cold
Both cold outdoor weather and indoor heating can damage your voice in different ways. Invest in a humidifier to add moisture to your home, and when carolling outdoors, wear a scarf over your mouth to warm the air you breathe.
Don’t overdo it
While carol singing is exhilarating, overuse can strain your voice. Schedule breaks between sessions to rest your vocal cords, and listen to your body for signs of fatigue. A sore throat is a sign from your body to step back and recover, numbing the pain with a Strepsil will only mask any damage that’s occurring. Rest is as important as rehearsal in keeping your voice healthy.
Connect with the spirit of the music
Finally, remember that where carol singing is concerned, perfection is overrated! Carolling is all about sharing joy and tradition with friends and family. Engage with the stories and emotions behind the music. A heartfelt performance, even at its most raucous, is just the ticket to usher in the festive season
Taking care of your voice in the winter season doesn’t have to be a chore. By taking care of your instrument and approaching the music with enthusiasm, you can enjoy the season’s magical moments to the fullest. So warm up, wrap up, and let your voice ring out!
Happy carolling!
For more tips and tricks for singing subscribe to Tori’s newsletter, ’The Choralist’ at www.torilongdon.com
